If you have two or three days to get away, you might consider visiting the former mining town of Telluride. Although it is about a six- hour drive from Denver, it’s a flight of less than one hour to arrive in the quaint town. Located in the southwestern corner of Colorado, the town attracts about 400,000 visitors per year. It is a place that offers a variety of activities. There is a film, jazz, and bluegrass festival, not to mention the fantastic skiing in the winter and many other adventures. The small-town charm is surrounded by 13,000 to 14,000-foot mountains.
Where to Stay in Telluride
You will want to make reservations for your weekend stay before leaving home. One preferred place is the Hotel Telluride, which offers an excellent choice as your basecamp. The luxurious accommodations provide beauty and comfort. This boutique chalet offers a European feel and charm, although it is in downtown Telluride.
Another prominent option for a family visit is the Madeline Hotel & Residences. You will feel right at home with the Madeline family in their relaxed mountain lifestyle accommodation. Your family will appreciate the well-appointed guestrooms, suites, or residences. Another great feature, if you are a skier, is that they provide ski-in and ski-out access. The facility is located steps away from fantastic hiking trails in the Colorado backcountry.
Where to Eat in Telluride
After your first night in this quaint town, when you wake up in the morning, your first thoughts will turn toward breakfast. There are a variety of restaurants from which to choose. One of these is The Butcher & Baker Café. Located in the downtown area, this establishment is known for its fresh food and friendly atmosphere. The Butcher specializes in handcrafted, farm-fresh, and local cuisine. You can choose from their handmade bread and their outstanding artisan pastries. You can order their traditional bacon and egg breakfast, the summer omelet, or the Butcher & Baker Granola and Yogurt. The handmade bagels, with cream cheese, lox, capers, and red onion are another outstanding choice.
When it is time for lunch, your family might head to the Brown Dog Pizza. It is a great place, particularly if you have children. They will love the atmosphere and a delicious classic American style pizza. If they want to experiment, they can go for the signature YX cheesesteak sub. There is something to choose from the Brown Dog to fill every appetite.
Dinner in Telluride can be anything from basic to fancy. One of the best choices for your dinner is Allred’s. You can enjoy a roasted Alaskan halibut or a delicious Colorado chicken. An incredible Hawaiian tuna is also on the menu. As an added treat, you can enjoy the great scenic views and the alpine ambiance, both of which are highly acclaimed.
Things to Do in Telluride: Hiking, Skiing, Fishing, and More
You name it, and you will most likely find the activity in the small community of Telluride. However, since you are visiting you just have a few days with which to concern yourself. So, let’s enjoy it! On your first day out, you might consider taking a 13-minute free ride on the gondola. It is more than a ski lift. It also links the historic town of Telluride to Mountain Village. If you have time, you can get off at the San Sophia Overlook and enjoy the surrounding beautiful views. The gondola is located at an altitude of 10,540 feet. You can hike around the mountain, ride your bike down, or relax and enjoy the views. The gondola will take you to Mountain Village. It is a great village offering hotels, restaurants, shops, and many places for the kids to run and play. You might want to enroll here in the Telluride ski school. Another interesting adventure to add to your itinerary is a stroll through the downtown area of Telluride.
Downtown is only six blocks wide and 12 blocks long. It is one of the towns considered to be a “box canyon.” This means there is one way in and one way out of town. While strolling around, you can watch for the Ah Haa School for the Arts, which is a nonprofit art school. When you arrive at the Hotel Columbia, take a few steps inside and enjoy the historic beauty it has to offer. You can visit various boutiques that provide a variety of items for sale. There are several fine jewelers offering custom and designer jewelry. Your children will enjoy the old western department store, Black Bear Trading Co. This is an enjoyable walk to take through the past.
However, the thought on many people’s minds, especially in the winter, is skiing- particularly when Telluride is known for being a world-class ski area. If you have children, who have never skied before, this is an outstanding location. The ski instructors welcome everyone at any age. Sixty percent of the ski resorts terrain is dedicated to the beginner and the intermediate skier. There are also great areas for snowboarders. Those looking for more extreme trails for expert skiers will find slopes to meet their needs. Telluride Ski Resort is one of the favorite slopes to visit. It provides more than 2,000 acres of terrain to enjoy. You can also consider some great rafting. Horseback riding is another treat your family can experience together. Of course, fishing is an adventure you will thoroughly enjoy. Finally, a visit to Bridal Veil Falls is a great adventure for the family. These are the tallest free-falling falls in Colorado. Here you can also bike, hike, ice climb, explore the surrounding wilderness, and go on an adventurous four-wheel drive.
Telluride, Colorado, is an enjoyable place to spend a few days or a weekend. You have your choice of being lazy and sitting around the fireplace in your room. Or, you can add more excitement by going skiing or enjoying a challenging hike. Whatever you decide to do, your time away will be a memorable experience to last a lifetime.